Vince Fiduccia's Blog

Five Questions for Training Camp

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:43:35 GMT

So we are three weeks from the start of Ravens training camp, and like many of you, I have some questions and more than a passing intrigue about what we are going to see in 2008. New coach, new offensive coordinator and a first round pick at quarterback. Here are some of things I look forward to seeing during camp.

1. Camp Harbaugh: Everything we have seen and read seems to indicate a new training camp style and aggressiveness. How tough will it be? I am anxious to see the tempo that is set in Westminster; early reports note that minicamp practices are as tough as most training camp workouts under Brian Billick. Now they are actually going to hit each other legally. One thing is certain, the camp will be much longer than in past years.

2. Reshuffled Offensive line: It's loaded with youth, talent and questions. How quickly will the group gel? How does Marshal Yanda do at guard? Can Jared Gaither somehow fill in for Jon Ogden? Does Adam Terry look anymore comfortable at right tackle? Keep an eye on rookie right tackle Oniel Cousins out of UTEP; he seems to be in the mold of former Ravens brawler Orlando Brown. He might be the brawler who gets things going in the summer heat.

3. The Quarterbacks: Most media people who have seen minicamp have Troy Smith way ahead of Kyle Boller heading into training camp. Can he maintain this or does the contact and scrimmage bring Boller back? And all eyes will be on number 5 - Joe Flacco. His arm and quick learning apparently have Ravens officials excited by his talent. How close is he to being ready to compete?

4. Cam Cameron's Offense: Cameron has added play clocks to practice, a two-inch deep playbook and most importantly worked on this group's frayed mental state after years of being little brother to the big bad defense. Like a kid on Christmas, it will be exciting to see the new offensive and its components.

5. Veterans & New Coaching staff: There is a new way of doing things in Ravenland and the big question is how are its long-standing veterans going to react to tougher practices, longer training camp, and some possible roster shuffles. They don't get to go home after the second day this year. Will some veterans pop off and become a surprise cut or do they get with the new program?

These questions and excitement will make this the most anticipated training camp this team has had in a long time. There will be nothing mundane about this camp. What has you excited, concerned or just made you curious about training camp?

Catching Up On The World of Sports

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:30:24 GMT

Sorry for the recent inactivity on the blog; so let’s catch up with nine innings around the world of sports.

First Inning: Congratulations to you the fans for the early result of the King of Baltimore. I am truly impressed with the selections. People are really doing their homework, especially with the Wes Unseld over Chris McAlister pick.

Second Inning: Dave Trembly needs to be a very strong candidate for Manager of the Year; what he has done with the 2008 Orioles is simply amazing. His respect the game approach has taken hold in the club house, and players are buying it hook, line, and sinker.

Third Inning: As much I hate to admit this, the Celtics are a better basketball team than the Lakers. Pau Gasol is weaker than melted butter. What a sissy in the low post. Lamar Odom wasn’t much better.

Fourth Inning: The Celtics defense was the best I have seen in years, not only because of the way they play, but the fast tempo they play on offense. This isn’t the Knicks or the old Miami Heat that held the ball for 22 seconds. The Celtics push the ball, and they defend.

Fifth Inning: There have been some outstanding matches in EURO 2008. It took until the quarterfinals, but the Dutch as usual disappointed. I like Spain to win the tournament over Germany.

Sixth inning: Is there a better story than Josh Hamilton in Major League Baseball? Okay, I am a little biased because he is on my fantasy team, but the kid seems to have turned his life around and is getting close to reaching his potential.

Seventh Inning: Jonathan Ogden is going to be very hard to replace, not only his play on the field, but his quiet class off the field. All rookies should be told the story of J.O. and reminded to follow his example as a man, father, and professional athlete.

Eighth Inning: I’m really impressed with what I am hearing out of Ravens camp, especially the diversified offense and blue collar mentality that John Harbaugh is instilling. Two changes that I love are: (1) Cam Cameron’s play clock idea in practice; and (2) Harbaugh handing out mechanics shirts to signify a new attitude in Owings Mills.

Ninth Inning: I am rooting for Gus Gilchrist (formerly of Maryland) to fail big time. The kid is now on his third school in two years and still hasn’t played a minute of college basketball. He is getting and listening to some bad advice. Apparently, he can’t see when he is being led down the river. Gus, after you bomb out with the NCAA in your ill-fated transfer attempt, I heard the local car wash in College Park is hiring. Good Luck, I will be rooting against you.

Extra Inning: Memo to Gary Williams--If this kid comes back on his hands and knees, begging for a chance to play at Maryland, hand him a broom and tell him its $6 an hour to be a janitor. Just don’t let him back as a player. He obliviously wasn’t serious about being a Terp. Remind your players that it is a privilege to wear that jersey. Isn’t that what you told your team when they were down 20 in the ACC Semifinals a couple of years ago? Remember, that team came back and won that game and the ACC Championship that year. Go with the players you have and try your best, a la Gene Hackman in Hoosiers.

K.O.B.S: USE YOUR HEAD, NOT HEART

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:03:16 GMT

As voting begins for the final 32 for the King of Baltimore Sports, I have been intently listening to this topic since the contest was announced two weeks ago. First, what a great idea that has spurred some wonderful discussion of sports history in Baltimore; it’s been fun listening and reading the debate. Kind of what sports radio should be--two guys on a barstool debating sports.

Now as we begin voting I offer this piece of advice: vote with your head not your heart. Remember this is a contest designed to pick the “King of Baltimore Sports”, not the king of baseball, soccer, lacrosse or football.

Case in point: I worked with Mike Stankovic when I worked in indoor soccer, shuttled him around to media interviews, was with him after playoff wins and losses, in good times and bad. I have so much respect for him as a player, coach and person. He was a great indoor soccer player. That being said, I can’t vote for him against Art Donovan, who I also have had the good fortune to meet and speak with on several occasions. Why? Simple, Art Donovan was a pro football Hall of Famer. He was the best at his position at that time, and the Colts and pro football mean more to this city than indoor soccer does. In this matchup Donovan is a bigger “king” than Stankovic.

Case two: When I was eight years old, my favorite quarterback was Bert Jones, right down to the blue number 7 jersey I owned. Bert was my favorite player and probably athlete, but there is no way I can vote for him over Brooks Robinson, even though I only saw Brooks play towards the tail end of his career. Brooks is a Hall of Famer and spent 23 years with the Orioles, winning 16 gold gloves and two world championships. Until Cal, he was Mr. Oriole, and in the grand scheme of things, Brooks was much more important, had a much longer career, and had a greater impact than did Bert Jones in Baltimore.

In short, do your homework, respect the tradition of the past, and vote with your head. Who do I think will win? In my mind the “King of Baltimore Sports” will by Johnny Unitas. Johnny U is the only player from this town who is still talked about nationally as the best to ever play his sport. He played in one of the most important sporting events in the history of the nation (the 1958 championship) and defined the modern day position of quarterback. Oh yeah, he also called his own plays.

Friedgen Needs To Find QB

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 23:24:41 GMT

With summer heat rounding out the last few days of spring, I decided to think ahead to fall and football season. The happiest guy on the Maryland campus right now might be Maryland Head Football Coach Ralph Friedgen. Why? Because with all the negative attention on the basketball program, few people have had a chance to focus on the fact that the Maryland football program has had three losing seasons in the last four years.

I make no secret of the fact that I like Ralph Friedgen as coach; I admire his old school approach, his willingness to give kids a second chance, and his true love for the program. Let’s not forget where the Maryland program was before he arrived on campus in 2001.

The reason the Terps haven’t won lately is simple: they just haven’t had anyone that good to pull the trigger at quarterback. Jordan Steffy was supposed to be that guy when he arrived in College Park five years ago, but injuries and inconsistency have left him still searching. Ditto for Josh Portis who arrived two years ago with top flight tools, but suspension and the inability to grasp the offense have left him down on the depth chart following spring practice. California cool junior Chris Turner showed promise after taking over for Steffy last year; however, he has a maddening habit of not playing well in practice. Friedgen, like most coaches, believes you must first play well in practice before you can make it in the games.

This spring none of the three have taken a firm lead in the battle to be the starting quarterback. Complicating matters is that all three are learning the new West Coast offense of assistant head coach/offensive coordinator James Franklin. Franklin has redone the Terps offense getting rid of the seven step drop and going to more three and five step drops. Give credit to Friedgen, himself an offensive mastermind; he turned over the offense realizing it was too much for one person to do.

Steffy seemed to have a good spring and adapted well to the new offense. Portis seems to still have problems learning the system, and Turner, well he just plays better than he practices.

The Terps look ready in my eye to improve on last year’s 6-7 season. They have excellent depth and talent at offensive line, wide receiver, and plenty coming back on defense. The defensive line especially looks strong. The question mark is at that most important spot. Will someone emerge and take hold? Can Friedgen and Franklin find that elite signal caller? With a good season from one of these, the Terps could be ready to go to a big time bowl game and really make a strong run at the ACC Championship.

Who will it be? My pick is Turner. He has shown the most in games. The offense came alive when he took over last year, and with the added experience, he should be ready to rock (yes, his father was original drummer of Ratt) as the Terps’ QB.

Whoever it is, the answer needs to come prior to the first game on August 30th when the Terps take on the Joe Flacco-less Delaware Blue Hens at Byrd Stadium.

Indoor Soccer Left Out (side)

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:33:26 GMT

On Monday, the news spread that the Major Indoor Soccer League was folding. Even with its apparent restructuring for next season under a new banner, the announcement highlights the trouble this brand of soccer is having here in the United States.

First, I am glad the game will continue here in Baltimore. The sport and the franchise have a long, rich history in the city, and yes, the game, the team, and sport have all been a big part of my life. Plus, having done countless hours in the community, the Blast has been a good steward to Baltimore. The organization and its people are first class.

The problem with the game and the league in the US is that since 1990, all the focus, attention, and resources have been channeled to outdoor soccer. That year Alan I. Rothenberg succeeded the unpopular Werner Fricker as president of the United States Soccer Federation. Under Rothenberg's guidance, the 1994 World Cup became a major success, setting records for attendance among other things. Fulfilling a promise to FIFA made as part of the US’s World Cup bid, he oversaw the establishment of Major League Soccer, the first full-time Division I US league since the old North American Soccer League.

Under Rothenberg and since, all financial and material resources have been funneled to the outdoor game especially at the Major League Soccer and US National Team level. Big name sponsors like Nike and Gatorade have flocked to the outdoor brand, while ESPN and its family of networks give the outdoor game the exposure which it so badly needs. After 12 years, MLS is on a steady and slow growth path that will see that league at 16 teams by the year 2010. More soccer specific stadiums are to be built in the next few years. Top flight American players are either in the MLS or oversees in Europe.

Last week, the expansion Seattle Sounders and Microsoft agreed on naming rights to the team's jersey. The deal is reportedly worth $20 million over the next five years. The Sounders have already received 16,000 requests for season tickets. The Sounders will wear Xbox 360 on their jersey. The indoor game can't compete with these types of deals for sponsors or attract top flight players.

The proliferation of satellite packages have also lead to a growing interest in international soccer leagues like the English Premier League, Serie A of Italy. People can simply head down to Slainte Irish Pub and Restaurant in Fells Point or other bars and watch their favorite teams from across the pond or sit in their living rooms and follow Liverpool or Manchester United. The growth of the Hispanic population, who are very loyal to the outdoor game, is also helping the outdoor brand continue to grow in the US.

The indoor game has been besieged by ineffective ownership, bad leadership at the league level, and a lack of exposure at both the local and national television level. The league has too few national corporate partners The Blast, under the excellent ownership of Ed Hale, is one of the few indoor soccer franchises that has it right.

Will there be indoor soccer next year? The answer is yes. Does the league have a chance to be in business five or 10 years from now? Yes. Will it emerge to be anything even resembling its glory days of the early and mid-1980s when it was on the verge of something big? The answer to that is most likely no.

The sun may not have set on indoor soccer, but the league will find it hard to emerge from dusk. The stability and growth of MLS, globalization, and corporate America have shifted their priorities to the beautiful game.

Money Not The Only Factor In AL EAST

Thu, 29 May 2008 22:53:42 GMT

So we have heard this line for about the last 10 years – How are we supposed to compete in the American League East with the Yankees and Red Sox? They are the ones with 200 million dollar payrolls, dedicated television networks, and high ticket prices.

Well gee, I opened up my paper on May 29th, and lo and behold what do I see but the low budget Tampa Bay Rays in first place currently with a 32-21 record. That is .604 baseball for all of those who can’t do percentages.

How can this be? The Rays don’t have a television network like, YES, NESN or MASN. They play in a god-awful stadium. They rank 27^th in baseball with an average attendance of 18,686 per game. According to USA Today, they had a payroll on opening day of just over $43 million, dead last in the AL East. For the record, the Orioles are at $67 million, the Blue Jays at $97 million, the Red Sox come in at $133 million (not 200M), and the Yankees at $209 million.

So, how can the "Ollie’s Bargain Basement” of professional sports be leading a division with the vaunted Red Sox and Yankees? Simple, they have done a phenomenal job of scouting, developing and coaching young talent. Give new owner Stuart Sternberg, General Manger Andrew Friedman and Manger Joe Maddon credit; they have resurrected a franchise many of us thought was headed for either a move or contraction and turned it into one of the brightest and most exciting young teams in sports.

Some would have us believe that is because of revenue shortfall that our club (the Orioles) can’t compete in the money-laden AL East. That, sports fans, is flat out wrong! We haven’t been able to compete because we have made bad baseball decisions. We did a horrible job of scouting players, drafted duds for most of the last quarter century, and failed miserably at developing them. Why? Because we had bad baseball people making bad baseball decisions.

Either because they were hamstrung by management or by their own lack of talent, the Orioles failed to do their job in all facets of player development. The result--quick fix band aids that didn’t work with players that should have never worn the black and orange. And, most of all 10 years of losing baseball and a diminishing fan base.

The Rays did things smart; forced by anemic revenues, they put the emphasis where it should have been here: on scouting, player development and waiting patiently. The result? Carl Crawford, BJ Upton, James Shields, and Evan Longoria. Their system is now stocked with quality young pitchers just waiting to join the good young staff they have.

Thankfully, the Orioles may have seen the light. Andy MacPhail is too smart of a baseball man not be able to see this equation. He gets it! So far he seems to have the full trust of the ownership group, and most of all he is patient. Better times are hopefully coming. He realizes this is a major system overhaul, not just a quick tune up.

If he ever needs a reminder, he just needs to look up in the standings at Tampa Bay.

Who Are the Best Coaches in Sport?

Mon, 26 May 2008 03:27:46 GMT

Pull up a barstool. It’s time to have an old fashion barroom debate. Here’s the question very simply put--who are the best coaches in sports right now? I wondered the same thing the other night as I watched the Lakers-Spurs. It dawned on me as I watched Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich coach that I was watching two of the very best ever. So here we go. Below I will list my choices for the best current coaches in football, basketball, baseball and both college football and basketball. Then you give me yours. Let the debate begin

NFL

· Bill Belichick: I know some of you are going to consider him a cheater and wonder about his accomplishments, but love him or hate him, you can’t take away what Belichick has done in New England in a hard salary cap era. He gets players to buy into a philosophy, and he quickly puts down any thought of individualism.

· Runner Up: Tony Dungy, solid in every sense of the word.

· Honorable Mention: Mike Holmgren has taken two different teams to the Super Bowl.

College Football

· Pete Carroll: He has rebuilt USC into a modern day dynasty. He has combined an excellent recruiting touch with a combination of collegiate enthusiasm and NFL coaching smarts.

· Runner Up: Jim Tressel of Ohio State, despite his failure in the big game recently, has had Ohio State in position three times this decade to win a national championship.

NBA

· Phil Jackson: Yes, he has had great players, so do all coaches who win consistently. Yet somehow he has taken his unreal personality and philosophy and molded teams into winners. He is going for a 10th championship this year.

· Runner Up: Gregg Popovich is easily the most underrated coach in American sports today. He just wins.

· Honorable Mention: Jerry Sloan, Utah. Doesn’t it seem as though he has been coaching forever? Somehow in a league notorious for players not playing hard, every night his team gives everything it has.

College Basketball

· Mike Krzyzewski: My skin is starting to itch with this selection, but give the Blue Devil his credit. What he has done with Duke has been nothing short of phenomenal

· Runner Up: Rick Pitino, Louisville, has taken three different schools to the Final Four and has taken an NBA team to the playoffs.

· Honorable Mention: Tom Izzo of Michigan State. Nobody is a better in-game coach.

Major League Baseball

· Tony LaRussa of St. Louis: This superb handler of pitchers has taken three different teams to the playoffs and won World Series with two different teams over the last 25 years. Very innovative and able to get players to perform.

· Runners Up: Terry Francona & Joe Torre. Yes, they had huge payrolls, but they won with these payrolls. Both have won with a mix of older and young players.

Pour yourself a beer and let’s hear your thoughts.

The NBA, Big Brown & MASN

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:27:34 GMT

The Celtics-Cavaliers tussle on Sunday turned into a classic NBA game seven. The Paul Pierce dual (41 pts) vs. LeBron James (44 pts) was very reminiscent of the Larry Bird-Dominique Wilkins epic battle in 1988. When NBA teams try hard, you get what happened on Sunday--superb play at maximum intensity. It’s too bad we don't see more of this in the regular season. Side-note: Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy are superb as color analysts. Hopefully neither gets a job as a head coach anytime soon.

Big Brown: Big Brown ran away with the second leg of the Triple Crown; now it’s on to the Belmont. It would really be cool for horse racing to have a Triple Crown winner, but as dominate as this horse has been, we have seen this tease too much in the last few years. For the industry, let’s hope this time is the charm. Side-note: What a breath of fresh air jockey Kent Desormeaux is. Horse racing and sports in general need more of his type enthusiasm.

Arms Leading O's: The Orioles MVPs thus far have been as follows: Andy MacPhail, Dave Trembly, and Rick Krantiz Why? Because they have acquired, managed and coached the most out of George Sherrill, Matt Albers, Jim Johnson and Dennis Sarfate. These young arms have combined for one the most impressive bullpens in baseball. Can they keep it up? Who knows? Maybe it’s 1989 all over again. Side-note: Enjoy it while it lasts; however, for once, the future is starting to look brighter.

MASN: I like what MASN did this past weekend combining Don Sutton and Jim Palmer with either Gary Thorne or Bob Carpenter. Listening to Palmer and Sutton was like receiving a free clinic on pitching. Why Palmer isn't working with Fox or ESPN is beyond me. He is articulate, bright and not afraid to criticize. Hopefully next time they do this, they will lose the thought of involving Jim Hunter. Side-note: Nationals sideline reporter Debbie Taylor is not just a pretty face, she is an excellent reporter who actually earned her stripes as Peter Gammons’ research assistant. She is very well prepared and very knowledgeable about the game.

NCAA Needs To Come Down Hard On USC

Fri, 16 May 2008 11:23:19 GMT

It might seem like I am about to come down hard and unfairly on USC, but the NCAA needs to crack down and send a real message to each of its member institutions. And in this case, USC has to become the sacrificial lamb. The NCAA's message should be simple and clear--what has gone on with USC involving Reggie Bush and O.J. Mayo will not be tolerated, and the University, even with its storied history, must pay its debt.

The NCAA needs to use harsh sanctions against USC--strip both teams of scholarships, three years of probation with tournament and national TV bans, and make them repay bowl and NCAA tournament money earned by these two teams. Sure other schools are committing the same mistakes. Fortunately for them, they are ones not getting caught. Tell USC that any further infractions in the next five years will result in their programs being shut down for two years. Force athletic director Mike Garrett to get fired; this happened on his watch after all. Make them look at firing both Pete Carroll and Tim Floyd. Come on, you don't think anybody at USC knew what was going on?

A slap on the wrist won't do. Send a message to the other universities that this type of behavior will not be allowed. In other words, put a precedent in place and have the gumption to stick with it. If the NCAA lets this one slide, then they might as well go home and let chaos reign.

A few years ago the University of Alabama should have received the death penalty for its transgressions; however, the NCAA, fearful of sparking a possible rebellion and seeing what's happened to SMU's program since it was given the death penalty, relented and just gave them sanctions. This is why you have this current situation at USC, because schools don't fear the reprisals.

It's time for the NCAA to act swiftly and forcefully. Stop making Mickey Mouse rules and show some tooth. The clock is ticking. Push has come to shove.

Williams Risking His Terps Legacy

Sat, 10 May 2008 15:07:22 GMT

There is no other way to put it; Gary Williams is risking it all with the signing of junior college guard, Tyree Evans. His reputation, his character and his legacy. Why would Gary Williams, a coach with 600 career victories, an ACC championship, and a national championship, risk it all with a kid that has a questionable character?

The answer is simple; following three NIT appearances in four years, Williams is feeling uneasy about his tenure at Maryland. Also when he takes a look at his roster for next year, he sees a backcourt that has more questions than answers. Will Greivis Vasquez get consistent? Can Eric Hayes get more athletic and find his confidence? Will Adrian Bowie or Cliff Tucker, both great athletes, emerge as solid ACC players? Can Sean Mosley get his academics in order and actually qualify.

With all these questions, you probably can’t blame Williams for taking this gamble. Sports are a today business, and today the Maryland basketball program is underachieving. Yesterday’s savior is today’s goat.

Evans reportedly is the type of player that can help the Terps back to the Big Dance; he is lighting quick and a great shooter (44% from 3-point range). He immediately helps solve the lack of backcourt quickness and should push the other guards to step up their game.

To be fair to the kid, he has apparently stepped up his academics at the junior college level, and his coach has vouched for him. Williams has personally said he will mentor the kid and keep him out of trouble.

My biggest fear is that the large and complex urban institution that is Maryland with lots of temptation and people that will test this kid. It will only take one small mistake or error in judgment, and skeptics will be quick to pounce on both Evans and Williams. A serious incident and Williams will most likely not be able to survive the onslaught. He might not survive a small incident.

So is it worth the risk? I will put it this way: without this kid, Maryland might not get back into the NCAA Tournament. If the Terps don’t make it back to the big dance next year, Williams’ chair goes from tepid to scorching hot. But if this move fails and Evans does get in trouble, it will cost him something more than his job it will cost him his legacy.

NBA Playoff Thoughts and Notes

Thu, 08 May 2008 22:26:01 GMT

I am getting more and more intrigued by the NBA playoffs. The Sun has set on Phoenix. The Spurs are on their heels. The Lakers are perfect, and Celtics are showing some holes. Let’s go around the Association for some news and notes:

Paul Making a Point: A great story is brewing in New Orleans, where Chris Paul is making an argument as the best player in the NBA, and he has most certainly passed Steve Nash and Jason Kidd as the best point guard in the league. He embarrassed Kidd in the first round of the playoffs and is making Tony Parker look like Eva Longoria thus far in the second round.

Hornets Giving Hope: What a job Head Coach Bryon Scott has done with the Hornets, who are making the Spurs look old and slow so far. This would be a great thing for the City of New Orleans which is still not back. I wonder if that team can survive long term in that city. It’s a great story and you can’t help but root for the Hornets. Anything that gives people in that beleaguered city hope is a good thing.

Taking The Night off: I can’t get over how many teams take the night off in the NBA Playoffs. You literally don’t know what to expect from night to night. I can understand in the regular season with travel and back-to-back nights, but the playoffs with sometimes two and three days between the games? This is inexcusable and possibly tells you something about the heart of some players in the league.

Could Baltimore Support an NBA Team: I go back and forth on this one. I am pretty sure that selling $45 upper deck tickets to see the Sacramento Kings on a Tuesday night would be hard even if we had a new arena next to Camden Yards. However, if the team marketed well, won, and did some good things in the community, it might be able to draw enough corporate support from the metro area to make it. Actually the creation of MASN might be a help. See the network has a giant hole in its schedule from November through April and an NBA team would be a nice addition. Plus it would give a new team a good revenue base. Pipe dream anyway, we are never getting a team as long as Washington or Philadelphia has one.

My Pick: The Los Angeles Lakers over Boston in six games; Kobe Bryant wins the MVP and Phil Jackson retires after winning his 10^th NBA title, as the best coach in NBA history

Ravens Fans Will Need Patience With Flacco

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:36:33 GMT

Joe Flacco is officially a Raven thanks to some very shrewd and risky draft board manipulation by Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome. With the selection of Flacco at Number 18, the Ravens officially have their quarterback of the future, and for the City of Baltimore and the Ravens fans, patience will be our mantra for the next couple years.

It’s been 33 years since this town had a young quarterback that went from prospect to bona fide star and leader. That quarterback’s name was Bert Jones, and he led the Colts to three straight AFC East Championships from 1975-77. Since Jones, the Colts/Ravens have gone through Art Schlichter, Mike Pagel, Eric Zeier, Wally Richardson, Chris Redman, Troy Smith and Kyle Boller. Not one Pro Bowl appearance between this bunch.

In fact, mediocre would be a kind adjective to describe this group. So now comes Flacco, all six feet six inches of him, with a cannon for a right arm. We can only hope and pray that he joins Unitas and Jones, rather than Redman and Pagel, in Baltimore lore.

As fans we will have to learn to be patient with Flacco. In the last 25 years only two quarterbacks have made immediate impacts as rookies--Dan Marino and Ben Roethlisberger. The Mannings, John Elway, and Brett Favre either didn’t play as rookies or they flat out stunk as rookies. Some took a couple of years to develop.

We can’t expect Flacco to be Marino on day one or even for the first year or two, and we can’t classify this draft a bust if he doesn’t become an immediate starter or if he has a rough preseason. Rookie quarterbacks are works in progress, and the process more than the results are important in year one and maybe in year two.

Remember, we want Flacco to be our quarterback for the next 10 years, not just for the opening game next year. It might be better if it takes him most of the year before he gets into a game.

When he does play, expect bumps in the road and expect some frustration; it’s only natural. Flacco certainly has the talent, and I think he will get good coaching from Cam Cameron and Hue Jackson.

So Ravens fans, get ready. The Joe Flacco era has begun. At the very least it will make preseason very interesting. We can do our part by showing patience and letting his development come naturally.

Impressed with Harbaugh So Far

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:14:05 GMT

Okay, I know the first ball hasn’t been snapped in anger yet, but I have really been impressed with John Harbaugh during his first off-season as a coach.

He started by hiring a top notch coaching staff, especially his coordinators. Rex Ryan, Cam Cameron and Jerry Rosburg are very well regarded and respected. He kept a good mix of past assistants like Vic Fangio and Mike Pettine and mixed in some new position coaches like John Matsko on the offensive line and Hue Jackson as his quarterbacks coach. He obliviously took Art Modell’s advice to heart and surrounded himself with good people.

From the day he took over, Harbaugh hasn’t been afraid to make changes. He rearranged the locker room so that players wouldn’t just interactive with their own position; hopefully this stops cliques from developing and brings the entire team together.

In the offseason conditioning program, Harbaugh and strength and conditioning coach Bob Rugucki have totally changed the philosophy and tempo. They leaned more on free weights, and according to published reports, players are working hard and often. The Ravens have had 40-50 players in the weight room at all times. They often said the Nebraska football program (back when they were winning championships in the 90’s) didn’t beat you in September; they beat you in February and March with their off-season conditioning program.

Harbaugh has also made it clear that training camp will be much more physical, and he has ended the practice of veteran players being able to go home during camp. They will work, eat, and sleep as the Baltimore Ravens.

Terrell Suggs’ and Ray Lewis’ appearances at mini-camp last week highlight the fact that players seem to be buying into Harbaugh's enthusiasm and program. While we still don’t know how he handles three game losing streaks or in-game adjustments, it’s clear that Harbaugh was prepared for this opportunity. The man had a plan.

Some of his plans came from Andy Reid of the Eagles (his boss for the last nine years), and clearly some have come from his father Jack (a college coach for 41 years) and even some from when he was a boy in Ann Arbor, Michigan watching his father coach alongside the legendary Michigan head coach Bo Schembechler. Hard work, conditioning, and physical play are all trademarks of Schembechler’s teams at Michigan. It seems like Harbaugh has learned from all and now is ready to apply those lessons with a few modern twists during his first opportunity.

It’s only April, but so far so good for John Harbaugh. The Ravens appear to be in good hands and the journey of 2008 has begun. T minus three months ‘til training camp.

Four Bases with the Orioles

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:38:00 GMT

Okay so maybe we shouldn’t print playoff tickets just yet, but the Orioles’ fast start has at the very least made this early season very interesting. Here are some reasons on why the team has gotten out of the gate fast as we run around the bases.

First Base: The revamped bullpen has been lights our so far. What a difference a few fresh arms can make and just think they didn’t have to spend $42 million for this bunch. George Sherrill has been terrific as a closer. Randor Bierd and Matt Albers look to have great promise for the future.

Second Base: Kevin Millar looks like the leader this club has been missing for years. No, he is not the greatest player ever, but there is something about his personality that is infectious. He kind of looks like a throwback player and is a great example for the young players. This club is having more fun than any in recent Orioles memory, and Millar’s playful attitude is a big reason why.

Third Base: Although never to be confused with the ‘27 Yankees, this unheralded lineup is really gelling and getting key hits with runners in scoring position. Nick Markakis is a star in the making, and Aubrey Huff has put down his drink long enough to be a really big factor.

Home Plate: Manager Dave Trembly has pushed all the right buttons, not only with his bullpen, but also in keeping his everyday players fresh. Trembly is a great communicator and a no nonsense type of teacher, and so far so go. Because the lineup has been effective, Trembly hasn’t even had a chance or need for a small ball approach.

Extra bases: The one concern thus far is the starting pitchers. They so far aren’t going very deep in games, and you wonder how long Daniel Cabrera has before the Orioles need to think about his place in the rotation. It’s time for Cabrera to start realizing his potential and put together a string of strong starts. Matt Albers’ good start in the bullpen might be a catalyst for a promotion into the rotation the way Jeremy Guthrie’s was last season.

Orioles Need To Let Fans Vent, Have A Voice

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:50:02 GMT

So the Orioles are off to a better than anticipated 2-1 start after beating Seattle 7-4, meaning last night would have been a great night to call the Orioles flagship station and praise Dave Trembly for his shrewd handling of the bullpen, or to praise Melvin Mora or Kevin Millar for their nights at the plate. But no, if you’re an Orioles fan, that is not possible. See the Orioles don’t want phone calls after games. Why? They don’t like fans beating them up during what most likely will be another 90+ loss season. Seems nine years of losing got a little under their skin; so last year when they switched affiliates, they ask for this provision. Don’t they understand that this insane policy is stunting fan passion and enthusiasm? And they wonder why there are 33,000 empty seats on a Friday night.

Look no farther than 700 yards down the street. The Ravens have built a large, passionate fan base by interacting with their fans. During the years 1996-98, the character building years as Nestor Aparicio called them, when the team won a combined 16 games, fans called in angry about Ted Marchibroda conservative play calling or grumbled about Donny Brady not being able to cover anyone. Along the way, the passion grew to where fans bought old school buses and turned them into Ravens mobiles or led fans to travel to away games, and to buy out a store’s supply of purple 52 jerseys.

It was those years and that post game show that allowed for the team to build its hardcore following. The bandwagon fans and the people who just go to be seen came later.

If you’re either angry enough or passionate enough to call a station, you’re a real fan. Casual fans don’t wait on hold and don’t vent in public; neither do wine and cheese fans.

Last week coming home from the Nationals game, they were taking calls 30 minutes after the last pitch. People shared their thoughts on the new ball park, their experience at the game, Ryan Zimmerman’s walk-off home run, and yes even complaining about the 10-12,000 fans that left early. Slowly that community is developing a passion for baseball. Here in Baltimore our club is doing everything it can to dissipate that passion.

Sure they would get raked over the coals this season if they lose 100 games, and no one likes being called out in front of a city. Having thin skin isn’t doing the club any good. They have had 24,000 fans combined at two games, and there were by some accounts 8,000 empty seats on opening day. Can you imagine what September will look like?

The Orioles need to reverse their course. Let the flagship open up phone lines. Let the fans vent and let some passion build. Who knows, it might be more positive than they think. Some good things may be happening; let the fans come along for the ride.

Review of Nationals Park

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:36:58 GMT

Had a chance to check out the new Nationals Park last night. It is a very nice facility. The concourse is large with an open view of the field. The seats are dark blue and very comfortable and with cup holders for every seat. The outside looks very much like the government and office buildings and monuments in Washington. White limestone and glass ring the outside.

The ushers were very polite and nice, unlike the Communists at another local baseball park. The scoreboard is a monster with great hi-definition resolution, twice the size of Camden Yards. The food was only average; the bread and pretzels were a little stale, and the service was a little slow. There are plenty of food choices inside the stadium, but very little in the surrounding neighborhood as of yet.

Like St. Louis and Atlanta the park is intended for most of the paying customers to enter via centerfield; a huge courtyard is located inside the park.

Not sure how the park will play yet. Last night it played big, but the ‘27 Yankees weren’t batting either last night. The wind seems like it may have the tendency to blow in from left field. The park sits at the foot of the Anacostia River. We will probably have to see how it plays in the summer when heat and humidity are factored.

The park’s major problem is parking--only 1,200 spots, but the Nationals are making the best of the situation by offering free shuttles from the RFK parking lot to the stadium in a coach bus. The parking and the shuttle (seven minutes per trip) are absolutely free. They are also offering bike parking and the Stadium is easily accessible by DC Metro.

Why Have Starting Pitchers Become Wimps?

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:45:44 GMT

Does the number 25 mean anything to you as baseball fans? Some will say it’s Rich Dauer's number from the Orioles glory run or the number Rafael Palmeiro disgraced back in 2005 for the black and orange. The number 25 is actually an Oriole record that will stand for years to come. Maybe forever? It’s the number of complete games that Jim Palmer had in 1975. That’s right 25 complete games in a single season, by one pitcher. Last year, the Orioles as a team had four; in fact the entire American League had 63 complete games total.

Forget complete games, most pitchers and managers are looking to the bullpen after five or six innings or 100 pitches, whichever one comes first. Are you confused, so am I? After all aren’t players better conditioned than they were 30+ years ago? Why can’t someone in better condition with superior rehabilitation and medical equipment gut it out for more than six innings, especially now that they go every fifth day instead of every fourth?

Here are a few answers:

Money: For most of us when we get a raise or take a job with more money, it usually requires us to work more hours or it demands a higher rate of return. Not if you happen to be a major league pitcher. With the onset of long term, big money deals, teams guard their investments like a Wall Street broker. They don’t hedge any bets on their new prima donna pitcher. After all how would you like to be the manager that has to tell your GM or owner that your $20 million pitcher is out for 12 months with a labrum tear? Can you say unemployment line?

Agents and even pitchers alike have followed suit, and this is a big topic when contract time arrives. No agent wants to see his meal ticket on the disabled list; after all, four percent of nothing is nothing. Again protect the investment. Pitchers (especially one Erik Bedard) have also followed suit. Do you think Palmer, Jack Morris or Orel Hershiser would have asked out the way Bedard did in Washington last May after saying he was tired from running the bases. What Erik, do you need a golf cart? Sadly Bedard, while the most extreme, is not the only pitcher who feels this way. Fear of losing money has made cowards out of many.

Conditioning: Ask yourself this: why are there so many arm injuries when players are supposedly in better shape? While the players are in better athletic condition thanks to weights and cardio equipment, they aren’t in better pitching condition. Simply put, they don’t throw enough because they are held down by pitch counts and limitations from little league until they reach the show. Most teams won’t let prospects go over 85 pitches in the low minors or 100 as they work their way up to the majors. This also plays a role in mental conditioning. Athletes are creatures of habit, if they are not conditioned to go over 100 pitches, how can they do it in a game? After six good innings most guys are heading to the showers, even if they are throwing a shut out or a gem. There was no chance Palmer or Steve Carlton did not want to finish what they started. Twins broadcaster and should be Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven said it best when he was quoted as saying, “I have never seen a pitcher’s arm fall off after he threw 101 pitches.”

Bullpens: We all know that the Orioles spent $42 million on their bullpen last year (that worked?); while most teams aren’t that foolish, teams put a premium on the bullpen. In the late 70’s, the Orioles would come back from spring training most years with nine pitchers, 10 at the most. This year it looks the Orioles will come back with 12 hurlers; some teams have even come back with 13. Teams now have sixth inning relievers, seventh innings relievers, set up men, closers, and a left-handed specialist. With all these dollars and pitchers taking up space on rosters, no wonder teams are going to the pen early and often.

The Future: In the end the trend is indisputable; starting pitchers going deep are becoming as extinct as the bald eagle. I think the game has suffered. Baseball is 90% pitching, and there are too many guys getting too much credit and money for not being nearly as good as the men who preceded them. Instead of big game pitchers like Curt Schilling, Hershiser and Morris, will we soon see the battle of relievers from start to finish in game seven of the World Series? Will a quality start be four innings? Will there be a revolutionary old school general manager who turns the tide back to a four man rotation or pitchers being removed for performance rather than pitch count. Will someone make men out of starting pitchers again? My guess is not!

MY NCAA PICKS

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:50:01 GMT

Here are my official NCAA Tournament picks for 2008.

East

First Round: North Carolina, Arkansas, Notre Dame, Washington State, Oklahoma, Louisville, Butler and Tennessee.

Second Round: North Carolina, Washington State, Louisville, Butler

Round of 16: North Carolina, Louisville

Round of 8: Louisville

Midwest:

First Round: Kansas, UNLV, Clemson, Vanderbilt, USC, Wisconsin, Davidson, Georgetown

Second Round: Kansas, Clemson, USC, Georgetown

Round of 16: Kansas, Georgetown

Round of 8: Kansas

South:

First Round: Memphis, Oregon, Michigan State, Pittsburgh (I hate rooting for anything from Pittsburgh), Marquette (that’s for John Harbaugh), Stanford, St. Mary’s, Texas

Second Round: Memphis, Pitt (still hate it), Marquette, Texas

Round of 16: Winners: Texas, Pittsburgh (I need a shower)

Round of 8: Winner: Texas (Thank God!)

West:

First Round: UCLA, Texas A&M, Drake (barely), UCON, Baylor, Xavier, West Virginia (revenge of the Sun Devils), Duke (I want to throw up)

Second Round: UCLA, UCON, Xavier, West Virginia

Round of 16: UCLA, West Virginia (Has Bob Huggins graduated anyone?)

Round of 8: UCLA

Final Four

Kansas Beats Louisville, 76-68

UCLA beats Texas, 66-62

UCLA beats Kansas, 62-57

Review

Big Upsets:

Round One: St. Mary’s over Miami

Davidson over Gonzaga

Baylor over Purdue

Round Two: USC over Wisconsin

Butler over Tennessee

West Virginia over Duke

Round of 16: West Virginia over Xavier

Pitt over Memphis

Round of 8: Louisville over UNC

I am sure public humiliation will follow the release of these picks. Let the ‘Madness” begin!

Maryland Basketball Self-Help Directive

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:19:15 GMT

With this season in ruins and only a trip to the NIT left, it’s time to start thinking about next year at College Park and how to start to repair the damage done over the last four years. It’s very easy to pile on right now, but things are not dire; they didn’t go 6-22 this season. However, three NIT appearances and just one NCAA win in four years is not a program going in the right direction.

There needs to be some serious soul searching for everyone involved with the men’s basketball program, and this summer might be the most important in Maryland basketball history. For the players and coaches this won’t a picnic; they both are going to have to invest mind and body to get ready.

Here are some helpful hints:

Landon Milbourne: Develop your 18-foot game, and spend lots time in the gym working on your ball handling, shooting and passing. Look at Detroit Pistons guard Rip Hamilton’s game and pattern yourself after him.

Braxton Dupree: Get in the weight room and cardio room, and dedicate yourself to coming to fall practice as the best conditioned player. You’ll see the difference it will make and that you just wasted an entire year.

Jerome Burney: Join Dupree in the weight room and get stronger, and develop a pet offensive move like the jump hook. You showed lot of progress at the end of the year--keep it up. Don’t regress by not working hard over the summer.

Greivis Vasquez: First, don’t even think of playing in the NBA; you’re not ready. Second, convince Gary that you are not a point guard and that you belong at the two or three spot. Take yoga and learn how to play under control.

Eric Hayes: Work on your quickness and agility, and find your confidence. Realize that you are probably not the next Steve Blake. The Baltimore Sun’s Don Marcus has hinted that Hayes is a strong candidate to transfer. That might be the best thing for all parties concerned, especially for Hayes.

Adrian Bowie: You’re a great athlete. Now work on being a great basketball player, learn to use your right hand, and shoot 250 jump shots a day. You have got the potential to be a very solid player at the ACC level.

Cliff Tucker: Same as Bowie, improve your ball handling and shooting; take 250 shots a day as well. You could be a major factor next year.

Gus Gilchrist, Sean Mosley, Bobby Maze & possibly Ken Bowman: Work hard this summer and come prepared to play. There are some real minutes available if you compete. Remember to check your ego at the door before you enter the Comcast Center.

Gary Williams and the coaching staff: Leave no stone unturned. Open up every spot for competition, review everything from off-season conditioning and pre-season work to offensive and defensive strategy. Think about making changes to your flex cut offense and replacing it with either a motion set or the new spread offense that Duke, VMI, Tennessee and other schools are using. Look at possibly playing some zone defense and rework that 90’s style press. If you don’t think the current players are right for any of changes that need to be made, ask (convince) them to transfer. Next, hit the recruiting trail for ‘09 and beyond with emphasis on three-point shooters and ball handlers.

Get to it gentleman; you have much to do. Your seats in College Park are officially warm.

Yankees Pull “Bush League” Stunt

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 01:29:17 GMT

I will start off by saying I love Billy Crystal as actor, comedian and host, but today’s stunt with him actually playing in a Spring Training game was “bush league.” To have a 60-year old comedian come to bat is an insult to the game and especially to the young prospect or journeyman non-roster player who could use that at bat to prove that he belongs.

There are guys who have spent 10 or 11 years in the minors riding buses, playing winter ball, just to get a chance to be invited to spring training, and a major league team pulls this kind of stunt. Nice way to reward players who have chosen to make their living as ball players and paid the price of long grueling hot summers. This isn’t even worthy of indoor soccer or minor league hockey.

Here is the worst part: if this was attempted by another club, the New York media would have had a field day, but because it was Yankees and Crystal they laughed off. Ha, Ha. What’s worse is that the idiot pitcher for the Pirates actually let Crystal get the bat on the ball and foul off the first pitch. At least Roger Clemens would go head hunting.

What’s worse than being an Orioles fan these days is being a Pirates fan. Can’t blame Peter Angelos for this one; he has never sunk to this level. What’s next Pamela Anderson as pinch runner; on second thought I would not mind seeing that.